Composting toilets for RVs
One of the most important commodities for the camping or RV lifestyle is a supply of fresh water for both sanitation and cooking purposes. A working bathroom is not far behind on the list. However, standard toilets often require a significant amount of water to function, which is why many RV and camper owners look to off-grid alternatives, such as composting toilets to reduce their overall water usage. A properly functioning composting toilet uses little, if any, water to convert solid waste into a form of fertilizer, and collect liquid waste for sanitary disposal.
Composting toilets work especially well in RVs, campers and boats because they naturally minimize odors by breaking down waste quickly. There’s no need for strong chemicals for deodorizing the space or treating the waste and paper. Once a composting cycle has been established, only a few turns of a handle or addition of composting material are required. There’s no onboard waste collection system to flush out regularly.
Conversion from a standard RV toilet system to a composting toilet can be challenging, but the benefits of a nearly waterless sanitation system should outweigh the initial cost of installation and maintenance.
How does a composting toilet work?
Composting organic material is an old technology, often associated with food scraps and a bin filled with peat moss and other ingredients. Aerobic bacteria in the composting material break down any organic matter, converting it to a natural fertilizer. The same principle applies to composting toilets. A composting toilet contains several internal chambers that all contribute to the breakdown of human waste, both solid and liquid.
One chamber contains a supply of moist composting material. Liquid waste generally flows through this chamber and is collected in a separate chamber for evaporation or disposal. The solid waste is mixed into the composting material, where bacteria consume it and convert it into a contaminant-free form of organic fertilizer. This material eventually moves into a third drying or “finishing” compartment. The composting material is replenished, and the finished organic matter can be used for gardening or safely thrown away.
Benefits of composting toilets in RVs
Reduced water usage
A single flush of a standard toilet, even one designed for small spaces, can use up to two gallons of water. Water is a precious commodity on RVs, and this same water could have been used for showering, cooking or sanitation. A composting toilet uses little to no water, and actually produces fewer unpleasant odors than a water-based flush toilet and storage tank.
Ease of use
A standard flush toilet often needs to be emptied and sanitized after every excursion, not to mention the need for strong chemical deodorizers and expensive camping-specific toilet paper. A composting toilet generally requires maintenance once a month, and the composting material will remain self-contained in the chamber without sloshing or leaking. Most composting toilets will also break down standard household toilet paper, and do not require chemical agents.
Odor control
Composting toilets have fan-powered ventilation systems that draw odors and evaporating liquids away from the RV’s living space. Even when a composting toilet has reached maximum capacity, the contents have been rendered odor-free by the natural breakdown process. Human waste is approximately 90% water, and a composting toilet allows almost all of it to evaporate naturally through heat generation.
Recycling and conservation
The organic material created by a composting toilet can be used in off-grid gardens or flower beds. The groundwater will not be contaminated by harsh chemicals or untreated human waste. Used composting material will eventually break down organically, and the aerobic bacteria it contains will not harm the environment, unlike the gray water associated with standard flush toilets.
Best composting toilets for RV owners
PLAYBERG Portable Indoor & Outdoor Travel Toilet: available at Amazon, Macy’s and Home Depot
Although not marketed as a true composting toilet, this budget-friendly travel toilet can be modified to accept composting bags and material. The construction is simple but surprisingly rugged in practice. It’s an ideal size and weight for campers and smaller RVs.
SereneLife Portable Potty Seat Toilet: available at Amazon and Home Depot
The SereneLife outdoor toilet includes a three-position flush nozzle, along with a heavy-duty drain valve that reduces the possibility of leakage. The nozzle uses less than 4 gallons of water to deliver up to 50 flushes. The unit is fairly heavy, however, so transportation could be a two-person job.
Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC: available at Amazon
The Villa composting toilet from Separett is designed for permanent wall mounting, not temporary camping use. RV owners should still consider installing it as part of an off-grid, small footprint lifestyle, however. The construction material is durable polypropylene, with a glossy finish, and the package includes all necessary parts for installation.
SUN-MAR GTG TOILET: available at Amazon
In terms of portability and space requirements, the Sun-Mar GTG is hard to beat, especially for camping and RV trips. The low-profile toilet sets up in minutes and has the ability to separate liquid and solid wastes internally with gray water storage.
Pikku Vihrea Waterless Composting Dry Toilet: available at Amazon
For those RV owners seeking to live “off-grid”, this waterless composting toilet is an appealing option, especially because of its large storage capacity (almost 12 gallons). The composting material minimizes odors, while a stack pipe allows gases to vent without the need for an electric fan.
Michael Pollick is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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